US20050103938A1 - Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (led) technology - Google Patents
Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (led) technology Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050103938A1 US20050103938A1 US10/694,185 US69418503A US2005103938A1 US 20050103938 A1 US20050103938 A1 US 20050103938A1 US 69418503 A US69418503 A US 69418503A US 2005103938 A1 US2005103938 A1 US 2005103938A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light emitting
- light
- pilot
- aircraft
- leds
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
- B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
- B64D47/06—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices for indicating aircraft presence
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D39/00—Refuelling during flight
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D2203/00—Aircraft or airfield lights using LEDs
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) mounted on a refueling tanker aircraft, and more particularly, to PDLs including one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source.
- PDLs Pilot Director Lights
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- Pilot Director Lights generally consist of rows of lights mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft for providing information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft to prepare for and maintain refueling boom engagement.
- Such lights may include lenses whose shapes or masking correspond to symbols or patterns to be illuminated to the approaching pilot.
- PDLs are used for providing positional and operational feedback in order to help the approaching pilot prepare for and maintain contact between the refueling boom nozzle and a fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft.
- PDLs may provide information as to the elevational (vertical), telescoping (fore-aft) and lateral (azimuthal) position of the approaching aircraft relative to the refueling tanker.
- PDLs may provide operational information to the receiving aircraft's pilot regarding, for example, the progress of the refueling process once the boom has been engaged.
- FIG. 1 illustrates two light arrays used in conventional PDLs, which are mounted on a refueling tanker aircraft 10 .
- Light array 22 is a row of lights that provide visual cues regarding the approaching aircraft's elevational position relative to an optimum position for refueling.
- the row of lights in light array 24 provides visual information regarding the approaching aircraft's fore-aft position relative to the optimum refueling point.
- light array 22 is positioned on the port side of the tanker's fuselage, while light array 24 is mounted on the starboard side. Both arrays 22 , 24 being located just forward of the leading edge of the wings.
- FIG. 1 further shows that the symbols/patterns (arrows, rectangles, etc.) in light arrays 22 and 24 may illuminate at specific colors to provide positional information.
- the boom operator (aboard the tanker aircraft) may actuate signals through the PDLs to hold the receiver aircraft in the zone for the duration of the refueling operation. While in this zone, the lights indicate the progress of the operation along with signaling for any corrective maneuvers that the receiver pilot must perform to remain engaged with the refueling boom.
- incandescent light bulbs may be used to illuminate the PDL symbols/patterns through tinted and diffused prismatic lenses.
- the light being emitted from such PDLs may not be bright enough during daylight or fog conditions, due to losses incurred by the diffused and tinted lenses. Such losses also cause the PDLs to be very inefficient (normally less than 1% efficient).
- conventional PDLs are not very redundant.
- conventional PDLs may utilize two bulbs to illuminate the letter “D” of light array 22 in FIG. 1 . It is possible, due to their short operational life, that one or both of these bulbs may burn out while the refueling tanker 10 is in the air, thus causing the “D” to be inadequately illuminated.
- the present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources.
- PDLs Pilot Director Lights
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- Each LED may be configured to illuminate light in the wavelength of a specific color, and to direct such light in a specific direction at a narrow angle.
- the LED light sources may be configured to dissipate a low amount of power and generating less heat, as compared to incandescent light sources.
- the PDLs in exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not require tinted or prismatic lenses to generate light at a specific color and in a specific direction.
- light may be illuminated at a higher efficiency.
- the LED light sources may provide a longer operational life, resulting in less frequent burn-outs and replacements.
- PDLs may be implemented as one or more rows of light emitting devices, each device employing an LED light source.
- Each light emitting device may correspond to a specific symbol or pattern that provides positional or operational information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft.
- LEDs may be implemented in each light emitting device as modular banks. The banks of LEDs may be configured so that each bank may be replaced separately, while other banks in the device remain in operation.
- each bank may be arranged as subsets, in which the LEDs of each subset are connected in series, and the subsets of each bank are connected in parallel.
- each subset of LEDs may be electrically isolated from the other subsets in the bank. Thus, a fault occurring within one subset of LEDs would not cause the other subsets to fail.
- each light emitting device is comprised of a plurality of LED banks, each bank including multiple subsets of LEDs, thereby providing a high degree of redundancy.
- a burn-out of a single LED will only effect the operation of the subset of LEDs to which it is connected, and therefore may not significantly affect the readability of the symbol or pattern being illuminated by the corresponding light-emitting device.
- An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting structure for mounting the light emitting devices of each row of PDLs to the exterior of a refueling tanker's fuselage.
- a mounting structure may include a hinged metal cover providing easy access for replacement of the LED banks.
- an optically clear lens may be integrated with the mounting structure for each light emitting device.
- a control circuit is implemented to control the operation of each light emitting device.
- Such a control circuit may be configured to control the current flowing to the LED light source of each light emitting device from a corresponding power supply.
- the control circuit may be configured to control a dimming operation of each light emitting device.
- the control circuit may also include an electromagnetic interference filter arranged between the power supply and the light emitting devices.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the positioning and configuration of conventional PDLs on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a light emitting device for illuminating a particular symbol, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light emitting device in FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a modular bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) implemented in a light emitting device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates an upward view of a boom envelope corresponding to the refueling boom of a tanker aircraft used for refueling an approaching aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a boom envelope corresponding to the refueling boom of a tanker aircraft used for refueling an approaching aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a control circuit configured to control the current being supplied to the light emitting devices in a set of PDLs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the current control circuit of FIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of PDLs mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an upward view of PDLs mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, which utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a side view and upward view, respectively, of the implementation of PDLs on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft 10 for use in conducting the refueling of an approaching aircraft 30 .
- the PDLs may be implemented as two rows of lights 122 and 124 , which are operable to illuminate symbols and patterns similar to those in light arrays 22 and 24 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- row 122 may be used for providing information to the pilot of the approaching aircraft 30 as to the elevational (vertical) position of aircraft 30 with respect to an optimum position for performing the refueling operation.
- row 124 may be configured to provide fore-aft positioning information of the approaching aircraft 30 in accordance with the optimum refueling position.
- the aircraft 30 attempts to position itself relative to the tanker aircraft 10 so that a refueling nozzle attached to the end of boom 12 engages with a refueling receptacle 32 of aircraft 30 .
- the boom 12 extends from a portal 18 on the tanker aircraft 10 .
- boom envelope 14 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrates a three-dimensional range of positions at which the refueling receptacle 32 of aircraft 30 may be properly engaged with the nozzle of boom 12 for refueling.
- the visual cues provided by PDL rows 122 and 124 provide feedback to the pilot of aircraft 30 to adjust the aircraft's 30 relative position to place and maintain the receptacle 32 in the boom envelope 14 .
- the boom envelope 14 may be defined as a range of lengths and vertical and azimuthal angles at which the boom 12 extends in order to engage with receptacle 32 .
- each symbol (e.g., letter) or pattern (e.g., arrow or square) to be illuminated by the PDLs may be implemented as one of an array (row) of light emitting devices (e.g., 122 or 124 ), each light emitting device having its own LED light source.
- each symbol (e.g., letter) or pattern (e.g., arrow or square) to be illuminated by the PDLs may be implemented as one of an array (row) of light emitting devices (e.g., 122 or 124 ), each light emitting device having its own LED light source.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a light emitting device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a light emitting device 200 configured to illuminate the “D” implemented in row 122 to provide elevation position feedback.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B show that light emitting device 200 includes a light source, which is comprised of a plurality of modular banks of LEDs 210 encased within a mounting structure.
- the mounting structure is comprised of a metal cover 240 and a clear lens 230 .
- the mounting structure is used for attaching the light emitting device to the exterior of the refueling tanker 10 .
- the metal cover may have an aerodynamic shape as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
- the letter “D” may be created on lens 230 by a masking process.
- a covering e.g., masking tape
- the unpainted portions of lens 230 will form the letter “D.”
- This process may also include screen printing. It will be readily apparent that the above-described masking process may be used to create other symbols/patterns.
- the LED banks 210 may be positioned at a particular angle with respect to the lens 230 to cause the light-emitting device 200 to emit light at a particular field of view directed to the approaching aircraft 30 .
- a more detailed description of the range and field of view corresponding to a light emitting device 200 will be provided below in connection with FIGS. 4A-6 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting device 200 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an aerodynamic shape for the metal cover 240 , according to an exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a modular bank of LEDs 210 , which is implemented in the light emitting device 200 at a particular angle with respect to the metal cover 240 and clear lens 230 (not shown).
- FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a more detailed illustration of the modular bank of LEDs 210 (sometimes referred to hereinafter as a “module”).
- each LED 213 includes a narrow angle emitter 216 , which is the circular configuration at the end of the LED 213 for emitting light.
- each narrow angle emitter 216 is configured to emit light that disperses at a relatively narrow angle, e.g., an angle of 30° or less.
- Such narrow angle emitters 216 and their principle of operation, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the relatively low angle of dispersion of light emitted by the narrow angle emitters 216 may be instrumental in determining the field of view through which light is illuminated by the corresponding light emitting device 210 .
- each module 210 includes multiple rows of LEDs 213 .
- each row of LEDs 213 may include a series-parallel connection.
- the LEDs 213 of each row are arranged in subsets, each subset comprising a plurality of LEDs 213 connected in series. The subsets within a row are connected in parallel with respect to one another.
- each subset of LEDs 213 is electrically isolated from one another. Accordingly, when a fault occurs in one subset, e.g., one of the LEDs 213 fails, only the other LEDs 213 within the same subset are affected. Thus, when one LED 213 burns out, only the LEDs 213 in the same subset may be lost; the LEDs 213 in the other subsets may continue operating as normal.
- each module 210 in a light emitting device 200 may include two rows of LEDs 213 , where each row includes twelve LEDs. Such a configuration provides a high luminance-power efficiency, based on the current-driven characteristics of the LEDs 213 .
- the twelve LEDs 213 within each of the two rows may be arranged in two subsets of six series-connected LEDs 213 .
- the twelve LEDs 213 in each row may be arranged in three subsets, each subset containing four LEDs 213 connected in series. Such an arrangement further provides high efficiency.
- Such a configuration may provide each light emitting device 200 with a high amount of redundancy, in order to ensure that the corresponding symbol or pattern will be illuminated despite a burn-out in any of the LEDs 213 .
- a light emitting device 200 that illuminates the letter “D” may include eleven modules 210 , thereby including 264 LEDs 213 . If such a light emitting device 200 emitted white light, any burn-out of an LED 213 would result in the operational loss of only four LEDs 213 .
- Such an embodiment provides much more protection against light source failure than a convention PDL, for example, which utilizes two incandescent bulbs to illuminate “D.”
- Such light emitting devices 200 dissipates a low amount of power and generates little heat while in operation. Therefore, it is possible in exemplary embodiments to replace one of the modules 210 of a light emitting device 200 while the other modules are in operation and turned on. This provides advantages over conventional systems, in which the replacement of a light source in the PDLs require the other light sources to turn off and cool down before such replacement is performed.
- the low amount of power dissipation and heat generation allows the LEDs 213 in the light emitting devices 200 to have a long operation life, thus requiring replacement much less frequently.
- the above-described configuration of the light emitting devices 200 in a PDL system allows a perceived uniform sheet of light to be emitted through the lens 230 to the pilot of an approaching aircraft 30 , while the pilot is in a particular field of view of the light emitting device 200 .
- this field of view corresponds to the approaching pilot's location when the fuel receptacle 32 of aircraft 30 is in alignment with the boom envelope 14 (i.e., the receptacle 32 is lined up to receive the nozzle of the boom 12 from the refueling tanker aircraft 10 ).
- the configuration of LEDs 213 in a light emitting device 200 will cause the emitted sheet of light to striate as the pilot of the approaching aircraft 30 moves out of the field of view.
- the light emitted from at least one of the light emitting devices 200 striates as the approaching aircraft 30 moves such that the fuel receptacle 32 moves out of alignment with the boom envelope 14 .
- the pilot of aircraft 30 may be notified by the progressive striation of the emitted light of one or more of the light emitting devices 200 that he/she is falling off course and needs to correct the aircraft's 30 position with respect to tanker aircraft 10 .
- the progressive striation of the light pattern emitted from the light emitting device 200 may provide an indication to the pilot of the speed at which the approaching aircraft 30 is falling off course.
- the striation of emitted light may be dependent upon the angle of dispersion of the narrow angle emitters 216 along with the relative spacing of the LEDs 213 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize how such factors can be manipulated in order to cause the desired striation effect for a light emitting device 200 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a relationship between the boom envelope 14 and the field of view corresponding to at least one of the light emitting devices 200 , according to an exemplary embodiment.
- the approaching aircraft 30 attempts to position itself in relation to tanker aircraft 10 so that the boom 12 will engage with the fuel receptacle 32 at a point P within the boom envelope 14 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates an upward view of the three-dimensional boom envelope 14
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the boom envelope 14
- These figures show an axis 16 through the center of the refueling tanker aircraft 10 .
- the boom envelope 14 has an azimuthal range from +A 1 to ⁇ A 2 degrees with respect to axis 16 (using boom portal 18 as an originating point).
- FIG. 6 shows that the range of elevational angles of boom envelope 14 is from ⁇ E 1 to ⁇ E 2 degrees with respect to a line parallel with axis 16 (where portal 18 is an originating point).
- the light emitted from at least one of the light emitting devices 200 will appear as a sheet of light to the approaching pilot.
- one of light emitting devices 200 in the elevational row of PDLs 122 may illuminate a solid sheet of green light (similar to the green square of array 22 in FIG. 1 ) when the fuel receptacle 32 is aligned with the boom envelope 14 .
- horizontal striations may appear in this sheet of green light.
- vertical striations may appear in each of the symbols/patterns illuminated by row 122 to the approaching pilot.
- the light from a light emitting device 200 may be emitted within a limited range, striated or not.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an azimuthal range of illumination of +15° to ⁇ 15° with respect to axis 16 .
- FIG. 6 shows an elevational range of ⁇ 5° to ⁇ 20° with respect to a line parallel with axis 16 (using the light emitting device 200 as an originating point).
- the limited range of illumination in such embodiments may provide the approaching pilot feedback as to how far the aircraft 30 has gone off course. Also, the limited range of illumination in such embodiments may allow the refueling operation to be performed covertly with respect to surrounding aircraft and ground stations. This may be useful, e.g., during military operations where covertness is desired.
- the limited range of illumination for a light emitting device 200 may be a function of other factors in addition to the narrow angle emitters 216 of LEDs 213 .
- the angular positioning of the modules 210 , the geometry and curvature of metal cover 240 , the shape and dimensions of clear lens 230 , or a combination of such factors may be used to achieve a desired range of illumination, as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the PDLs of the present invention may direct light to a particular field of view, and utilize passive feedback such as striated light, without the need of prismatic or diffused lenses or other such devices.
- passive feedback such as striated light
- clear lenses or no lens at all
- the losses of luminance caused by the use of diffused and prismatic lenses may be avoided.
- each light emitting device 200 is comprised of current-driven components (LEDs 213 )
- exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a control circuit for controlling the current being supplied to each light emitting device 200 by a power source.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of such control circuitry (referred to hereinafter as “current control device”) for a particular light emitting device 200 .
- current control device 300 includes a control device 310 and an electromagnetic (EMI) filter 320 implemented between a DC power supply (e.g., +28 VDC) and the light emitting device 200 .
- EMI filter 320 includes circuitry whose configuration and operation is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art for filtering out the EMI effects of the input DC power supply.
- the EMI filter 320 helps protect the operation of the corresponding light emitting device 200 from being interrupted by such effects, and prohibits the PDL system from inducing interference into surrounding electronics.
- each current control device 300 (or components therein) may be encased in a metallic structure equipped with EMI filtered connectors.
- the output of EMI filter 320 is supplied to a power supply interface 312 within control device 310 .
- Power supply interface 312 generates a modular supply voltage (e.g., +15 VDC) to be distributed to each LED module 210 in the light emitting device 200 .
- the power supply interface may also generate dimming supply voltages (e.g., ⁇ 5 VDC) to be sent to a dimming control device 313 .
- Power supply interface 312 also includes circuitry that provides reverse polarity protection for the dimming control device 313 and light emitting device 200 .
- the dimming control device 313 utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) to conduct a dimming operation on the LEDs 213 of the light emitting device 200 .
- dimming control device 313 includes a dimming signal converter 316 for receiving a dimming control signal Dim (e.g., between 0-5 V).
- a PWM output unit 318 receives the converted analog voltage from dimming signal converter 316 as well as a signal generated by PWM ramp generator 314 in order to output a modulated square wave signal. The duty cycle of this square wave PWM output signal is dependent upon the magnitude of the analog signal generated by the dimming signal converter 316 .
- the PWM output signal thus controls the level at which the LEDs 213 of light emitting device 200 is illuminated.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating for implementing the various components of the current control device 300 of FIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted however that FIG. 8 is provided for purposes of illustration, and should not be construed as limiting the configuration and components of the current control device 300 of the present invention.
- the connections of the power supply and dimming control in FIG. 8 are as follows.
- the DC power supply (e.g., +28 VDC) and return are connected to terminals E 1 and E 2 .
- Terminal E 3 is connected to ground.
- the dimming signal Dim and return are connected to terminals E 4 and E 5 .
- Terminals E 6 and E 7 output the supply voltage (e.g., +15 V) and the PWM output signal, respectively, to the LED banks 210 .
- FIG. 8 The components of FIG. 8 are implemented in the functional components of FIG. 7 as follows.
- the configuration including inductors L 1 -L 4 and capacitors C 1 -C 3 comprise the EMI filter 320 .
- FIG. 8 The configuration of FIG. 8 including power converter U 1 , capacitors C 4 -C 8 , inductors L 4 , diode D 3 , and voltage regulator U 2 corresponds to the power supply interface 312 .
- the PWM ramp generator 314 includes the configuration of op amps U 3 :A and U 3 :B, and capacitors C 9 and C 10 in FIG. 8 .
- the dimming signal converter 316 corresponds to the configuration in FIG. 8 including diodes VR 1 and VR 2 , capacitors C 11 -C 13 and amplifier U 3 :C.
- the PWM output unit 318 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as the configuration including amplifier U 3 :D, capacitors C 14 and C 15 , transistor Q 1 , and diode VR 3 .
- the dimming control device may be controlled manually by the boom operator on the tanker aircraft 10 , or automatically by devices/computers in the aircraft 10 .
- the dimming control device 313 may be used to dim the LEDs 213 of a light emitting device 200 in order to provide visual feedback to the pilot of an approaching aircraft 30 .
- the luminance of a PDL may be set higher for daylight or low visibility conditions (e.g., cloud cover, precipitation, etc.) or set lower for night operations.
- the dimming operation may be performed at night, to ensure that the light from the light emitting device 200 is not too bright. This may improve readability for the approaching pilot and increase the covertness of the refueling operation.
- the light emitting devices 200 of the present invention may be used to provide feedback as to the status of the refueling operation after the refueling boom 12 has been engaged with the fuel receptacle 32 .
- a light emitting device 200 may be used to notify the approaching pilot that boom engagement has been made.
- the PDLs of the present invention may be used to help direct the approaching aircraft 30 to a position P before boom engagement is made, and to assist the pilot in keeping the aircraft 30 within an acceptable position after boom engagement has been made.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) mounted on a refueling tanker aircraft, and more particularly, to PDLs including one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source.
- Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) generally consist of rows of lights mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft for providing information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft to prepare for and maintain refueling boom engagement. Such lights may include lenses whose shapes or masking correspond to symbols or patterns to be illuminated to the approaching pilot.
- PDLs are used for providing positional and operational feedback in order to help the approaching pilot prepare for and maintain contact between the refueling boom nozzle and a fuel receptacle of the receiving aircraft. For example, PDLs may provide information as to the elevational (vertical), telescoping (fore-aft) and lateral (azimuthal) position of the approaching aircraft relative to the refueling tanker. Also, PDLs may provide operational information to the receiving aircraft's pilot regarding, for example, the progress of the refueling process once the boom has been engaged.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates two light arrays used in conventional PDLs, which are mounted on a refuelingtanker aircraft 10.Light array 22 is a row of lights that provide visual cues regarding the approaching aircraft's elevational position relative to an optimum position for refueling. The row of lights inlight array 24 provides visual information regarding the approaching aircraft's fore-aft position relative to the optimum refueling point. As shown inFIG. 1 ,light array 22 is positioned on the port side of the tanker's fuselage, whilelight array 24 is mounted on the starboard side. Botharrays -
FIG. 1 further shows that the symbols/patterns (arrows, rectangles, etc.) inlight arrays - In conventional PDLs, such as those shown in
FIG. 1 , incandescent light bulbs may be used to illuminate the PDL symbols/patterns through tinted and diffused prismatic lenses. This results in various disadvantages. For example, the light being emitted from such PDLs may not be bright enough during daylight or fog conditions, due to losses incurred by the diffused and tinted lenses. Such losses also cause the PDLs to be very inefficient (normally less than 1% efficient). This requires the incandescent light sources in conventional PDLs to be operated at a high wattage, thereby generating much heat and reducing the operational life of the light sources. - Furthermore, conventional PDLs are not very redundant. For example, conventional PDLs may utilize two bulbs to illuminate the letter “D” of
light array 22 inFIG. 1 . It is possible, due to their short operational life, that one or both of these bulbs may burn out while therefueling tanker 10 is in the air, thus causing the “D” to be inadequately illuminated. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. Each LED may be configured to illuminate light in the wavelength of a specific color, and to direct such light in a specific direction at a narrow angle. Furthermore, the LED light sources may be configured to dissipate a low amount of power and generating less heat, as compared to incandescent light sources.
- Accordingly, the PDLs in exemplary embodiments of the present invention do not require tinted or prismatic lenses to generate light at a specific color and in a specific direction. Thus, light may be illuminated at a higher efficiency. Also, the LED light sources may provide a longer operational life, resulting in less frequent burn-outs and replacements.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, PDLs may be implemented as one or more rows of light emitting devices, each device employing an LED light source. Each light emitting device may correspond to a specific symbol or pattern that provides positional or operational information to the pilot of an approaching aircraft. Furthermore, LEDs may be implemented in each light emitting device as modular banks. The banks of LEDs may be configured so that each bank may be replaced separately, while other banks in the device remain in operation.
- In another exemplary embodiment, the LEDs in each bank may be arranged as subsets, in which the LEDs of each subset are connected in series, and the subsets of each bank are connected in parallel. In such a series-parallel configuration, each subset of LEDs may be electrically isolated from the other subsets in the bank. Thus, a fault occurring within one subset of LEDs would not cause the other subsets to fail.
- According to an exemplary embodiment, each light emitting device is comprised of a plurality of LED banks, each bank including multiple subsets of LEDs, thereby providing a high degree of redundancy. As such, a burn-out of a single LED will only effect the operation of the subset of LEDs to which it is connected, and therefore may not significantly affect the readability of the symbol or pattern being illuminated by the corresponding light-emitting device.
- An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting structure for mounting the light emitting devices of each row of PDLs to the exterior of a refueling tanker's fuselage. Such a mounting structure may include a hinged metal cover providing easy access for replacement of the LED banks. Furthermore, since tinted and prismatic lenses are not required, an optically clear lens may be integrated with the mounting structure for each light emitting device.
- In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a control circuit is implemented to control the operation of each light emitting device. Such a control circuit may be configured to control the current flowing to the LED light source of each light emitting device from a corresponding power supply. Furthermore, the control circuit may be configured to control a dimming operation of each light emitting device. The control circuit may also include an electromagnetic interference filter arranged between the power supply and the light emitting devices.
- Further advances in scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments therein, while disclosing exemplary embodiments of the invention, are provided by way of illustration only.
- A more complete understanding of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates the positioning and configuration of conventional PDLs on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft; -
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a light emitting device for illuminating a particular symbol, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the light emitting device inFIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a modular bank of light emitting diodes (LEDs) implemented in a light emitting device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an upward view of a boom envelope corresponding to the refueling boom of a tanker aircraft used for refueling an approaching aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a boom envelope corresponding to the refueling boom of a tanker aircraft used for refueling an approaching aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a control circuit configured to control the current being supplied to the light emitting devices in a set of PDLs, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the current control circuit ofFIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of PDLs mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 10 illustrates an upward view of PDLs mounted on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the following description.
- The present invention is directed to Pilot Director Lights (PDLs) on the exterior of a refueling tanker aircraft, which utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source.
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a side view and upward view, respectively, of the implementation of PDLs on the exterior of arefueling tanker aircraft 10 for use in conducting the refueling of an approachingaircraft 30. As shown inFIG. 10 , the PDLs may be implemented as two rows oflights light arrays FIG. 1 . For example,row 122 may be used for providing information to the pilot of the approachingaircraft 30 as to the elevational (vertical) position ofaircraft 30 with respect to an optimum position for performing the refueling operation. Also,row 124 may be configured to provide fore-aft positioning information of the approachingaircraft 30 in accordance with the optimum refueling position. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , theaircraft 30 attempts to position itself relative to thetanker aircraft 10 so that a refueling nozzle attached to the end ofboom 12 engages with arefueling receptacle 32 ofaircraft 30. As shown inFIG. 9 , theboom 12 extends from a portal 18 on thetanker aircraft 10. Thus,boom envelope 14 shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 illustrates a three-dimensional range of positions at which therefueling receptacle 32 ofaircraft 30 may be properly engaged with the nozzle ofboom 12 for refueling. The visual cues provided byPDL rows aircraft 30 to adjust the aircraft's 30 relative position to place and maintain thereceptacle 32 in theboom envelope 14. - It should be noted that the
boom envelope 14 may be defined as a range of lengths and vertical and azimuthal angles at which theboom 12 extends in order to engage withreceptacle 32. - According to an exemplary embodiment, each symbol (e.g., letter) or pattern (e.g., arrow or square) to be illuminated by the PDLs may be implemented as one of an array (row) of light emitting devices (e.g., 122 or 124), each light emitting device having its own LED light source.
-
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate alight emitting device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically,FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate alight emitting device 200 configured to illuminate the “D” implemented inrow 122 to provide elevation position feedback. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B show that light emittingdevice 200 includes a light source, which is comprised of a plurality of modular banks ofLEDs 210 encased within a mounting structure. The mounting structure is comprised of ametal cover 240 and aclear lens 230. The mounting structure is used for attaching the light emitting device to the exterior of therefueling tanker 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal cover may have an aerodynamic shape as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B . - According to an exemplary embodiment, the letter “D” may be created on
lens 230 by a masking process. In such a process, a covering (e.g., masking tape) in the shape of the letter “D” is placed over thelens 230, and the uncovered portion of thelens 230 is painted. Thus, when the covering is removed, the unpainted portions oflens 230 will form the letter “D.” This process may also include screen printing. It will be readily apparent that the above-described masking process may be used to create other symbols/patterns. - As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , theLED banks 210 may be positioned at a particular angle with respect to thelens 230 to cause the light-emittingdevice 200 to emit light at a particular field of view directed to the approachingaircraft 30. A more detailed description of the range and field of view corresponding to alight emitting device 200 will be provided below in connection withFIGS. 4A-6 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of alight emitting device 200.FIG. 3 illustrates an aerodynamic shape for themetal cover 240, according to an exemplary embodiment. Furthermore,FIG. 3 illustrates a modular bank ofLEDs 210, which is implemented in thelight emitting device 200 at a particular angle with respect to themetal cover 240 and clear lens 230 (not shown). -
FIGS. 4A and 4B provide a more detailed illustration of the modular bank of LEDs 210 (sometimes referred to hereinafter as a “module”). As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B , eachLED 213 includes anarrow angle emitter 216, which is the circular configuration at the end of theLED 213 for emitting light. According to an exemplary embodiment, eachnarrow angle emitter 216 is configured to emit light that disperses at a relatively narrow angle, e.g., an angle of 30° or less. Suchnarrow angle emitters 216, and their principle of operation, are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. - As will be described below in more detail, the relatively low angle of dispersion of light emitted by the
narrow angle emitters 216 may be instrumental in determining the field of view through which light is illuminated by the corresponding light emittingdevice 210. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A and 4B , eachmodule 210 includes multiple rows ofLEDs 213. Further, each row ofLEDs 213 may include a series-parallel connection. According to such an embodiment, theLEDs 213 of each row are arranged in subsets, each subset comprising a plurality ofLEDs 213 connected in series. The subsets within a row are connected in parallel with respect to one another. - Based on the series-parallel connections, each subset of
LEDs 213 is electrically isolated from one another. Accordingly, when a fault occurs in one subset, e.g., one of theLEDs 213 fails, only theother LEDs 213 within the same subset are affected. Thus, when oneLED 213 burns out, only theLEDs 213 in the same subset may be lost; theLEDs 213 in the other subsets may continue operating as normal. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of each
module 210 in alight emitting device 200 may include two rows ofLEDs 213, where each row includes twelve LEDs. Such a configuration provides a high luminance-power efficiency, based on the current-driven characteristics of theLEDs 213. - Furthermore, if the
LEDs 213 within amodule 210 are configured to emit red or amber light, the twelveLEDs 213 within each of the two rows may be arranged in two subsets of six series-connectedLEDs 213. On the other hand, if theLEDs 213 emit white or green light, the twelveLEDs 213 in each row may be arranged in three subsets, each subset containing fourLEDs 213 connected in series. Such an arrangement further provides high efficiency. - Such a configuration may provide each light emitting
device 200 with a high amount of redundancy, in order to ensure that the corresponding symbol or pattern will be illuminated despite a burn-out in any of theLEDs 213. For example, alight emitting device 200 that illuminates the letter “D” may include elevenmodules 210, thereby including 264LEDs 213. If such alight emitting device 200 emitted white light, any burn-out of anLED 213 would result in the operational loss of only fourLEDs 213. Such an embodiment provides much more protection against light source failure than a convention PDL, for example, which utilizes two incandescent bulbs to illuminate “D.” - Such
light emitting devices 200, as described in the above embodiments, dissipates a low amount of power and generates little heat while in operation. Therefore, it is possible in exemplary embodiments to replace one of themodules 210 of alight emitting device 200 while the other modules are in operation and turned on. This provides advantages over conventional systems, in which the replacement of a light source in the PDLs require the other light sources to turn off and cool down before such replacement is performed. - It should further be noted that the low amount of power dissipation and heat generation allows the
LEDs 213 in thelight emitting devices 200 to have a long operation life, thus requiring replacement much less frequently. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the above-described configuration of the
light emitting devices 200 in a PDL system allows a perceived uniform sheet of light to be emitted through thelens 230 to the pilot of an approachingaircraft 30, while the pilot is in a particular field of view of thelight emitting device 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, this field of view corresponds to the approaching pilot's location when thefuel receptacle 32 ofaircraft 30 is in alignment with the boom envelope 14 (i.e., thereceptacle 32 is lined up to receive the nozzle of theboom 12 from the refueling tanker aircraft 10). - In an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of
LEDs 213 in alight emitting device 200 will cause the emitted sheet of light to striate as the pilot of the approachingaircraft 30 moves out of the field of view. In other words, the light emitted from at least one of thelight emitting devices 200 striates as the approachingaircraft 30 moves such that thefuel receptacle 32 moves out of alignment with theboom envelope 14. Accordingly, the pilot ofaircraft 30 may be notified by the progressive striation of the emitted light of one or more of thelight emitting devices 200 that he/she is falling off course and needs to correct the aircraft's 30 position with respect totanker aircraft 10. - Furthermore, the progressive striation of the light pattern emitted from the
light emitting device 200 may provide an indication to the pilot of the speed at which the approachingaircraft 30 is falling off course. - The striation of emitted light may be dependent upon the angle of dispersion of the
narrow angle emitters 216 along with the relative spacing of theLEDs 213. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize how such factors can be manipulated in order to cause the desired striation effect for alight emitting device 200. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a relationship between theboom envelope 14 and the field of view corresponding to at least one of thelight emitting devices 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , the approachingaircraft 30 attempts to position itself in relation totanker aircraft 10 so that theboom 12 will engage with thefuel receptacle 32 at a point P within theboom envelope 14. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an upward view of the three-dimensional boom envelope 14, whileFIG. 6 illustrates a side view of theboom envelope 14. These figures show anaxis 16 through the center of therefueling tanker aircraft 10. As shown inFIG. 5 , theboom envelope 14 has an azimuthal range from +A1 to −A2 degrees with respect to axis 16 (usingboom portal 18 as an originating point).FIG. 6 shows that the range of elevational angles ofboom envelope 14 is from −E1 to −E2 degrees with respect to a line parallel with axis 16 (where portal 18 is an originating point). - Therefore, as long as the
fuel receptacle 32 ofaircraft 30 remains lined up with any point P within theboom envelope 14, the light emitted from at least one of thelight emitting devices 200 will appear as a sheet of light to the approaching pilot. For example, one of light emittingdevices 200 in the elevational row ofPDLs 122 may illuminate a solid sheet of green light (similar to the green square ofarray 22 inFIG. 1 ) when thefuel receptacle 32 is aligned with theboom envelope 14. However, as the elevational position ofreceptacle 32 moves outside of alignment withboom envelope 14, horizontal striations may appear in this sheet of green light. Furthermore, as the lateral (azimuthal) position ofreceptacle 32 moves out of alignment withboom envelope 14, vertical striations may appear in each of the symbols/patterns illuminated byrow 122 to the approaching pilot. - Also, based on the configuration (e.g., the relative positions and narrow angle emitters 216) of the
LEDs 213, the light from alight emitting device 200 may be emitted within a limited range, striated or not. For example,FIG. 5 illustrates an azimuthal range of illumination of +15° to −15° with respect toaxis 16. Furthermore,FIG. 6 shows an elevational range of −5° to −20° with respect to a line parallel with axis 16 (using thelight emitting device 200 as an originating point). When thefuel receptacle 32 is no longer aligned within these two ranges, the pilot ofaircraft 30 may no longer be able to see the light being emitted by the corresponding light emittingdevice 200. - The limited range of illumination in such embodiments may provide the approaching pilot feedback as to how far the
aircraft 30 has gone off course. Also, the limited range of illumination in such embodiments may allow the refueling operation to be performed covertly with respect to surrounding aircraft and ground stations. This may be useful, e.g., during military operations where covertness is desired. - It should be noted that the limited range of illumination for a
light emitting device 200 may be a function of other factors in addition to thenarrow angle emitters 216 ofLEDs 213. For example, the angular positioning of themodules 210, the geometry and curvature ofmetal cover 240, the shape and dimensions ofclear lens 230, or a combination of such factors may be used to achieve a desired range of illumination, as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. - As described in the above embodiments, the PDLs of the present invention may direct light to a particular field of view, and utilize passive feedback such as striated light, without the need of prismatic or diffused lenses or other such devices. In exemplary embodiments, clear lenses (or no lens at all) may be used. Thus, the losses of luminance caused by the use of diffused and prismatic lenses may be avoided.
- Since the light source of each light emitting
device 200 is comprised of current-driven components (LEDs 213), exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a control circuit for controlling the current being supplied to each light emittingdevice 200 by a power source.FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of such control circuitry (referred to hereinafter as “current control device”) for a particularlight emitting device 200. - As shown in
FIG. 7 ,current control device 300 includes acontrol device 310 and an electromagnetic (EMI)filter 320 implemented between a DC power supply (e.g., +28 VDC) and thelight emitting device 200. In particular,EMI filter 320 includes circuitry whose configuration and operation is well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art for filtering out the EMI effects of the input DC power supply. TheEMI filter 320 helps protect the operation of the corresponding light emittingdevice 200 from being interrupted by such effects, and prohibits the PDL system from inducing interference into surrounding electronics. Additionally, each current control device 300 (or components therein) may be encased in a metallic structure equipped with EMI filtered connectors. - The output of
EMI filter 320 is supplied to apower supply interface 312 withincontrol device 310.Power supply interface 312 generates a modular supply voltage (e.g., +15 VDC) to be distributed to eachLED module 210 in thelight emitting device 200. The power supply interface may also generate dimming supply voltages (e.g., ±5 VDC) to be sent to adimming control device 313.Power supply interface 312 also includes circuitry that provides reverse polarity protection for the dimmingcontrol device 313 and light emittingdevice 200. - According to an exemplary embodiment, the dimming
control device 313 utilizes pulse width modulation (PWM) to conduct a dimming operation on theLEDs 213 of thelight emitting device 200. In particular, dimmingcontrol device 313 includes adimming signal converter 316 for receiving a dimming control signal Dim (e.g., between 0-5 V). APWM output unit 318 receives the converted analog voltage from dimmingsignal converter 316 as well as a signal generated byPWM ramp generator 314 in order to output a modulated square wave signal. The duty cycle of this square wave PWM output signal is dependent upon the magnitude of the analog signal generated by thedimming signal converter 316. The PWM output signal thus controls the level at which theLEDs 213 of light emittingdevice 200 is illuminated. - Various circuit arrangements and configurations may be utilized to implement the
components control device 310, as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating for implementing the various components of thecurrent control device 300 ofFIG. 7 , according to an exemplary embodiment. It should be noted however thatFIG. 8 is provided for purposes of illustration, and should not be construed as limiting the configuration and components of thecurrent control device 300 of the present invention. - The connections of the power supply and dimming control in
FIG. 8 are as follows. The DC power supply (e.g., +28 VDC) and return are connected to terminals E1 and E2. Terminal E3 is connected to ground. The dimming signal Dim and return are connected to terminals E4 and E5. Terminals E6 and E7 output the supply voltage (e.g., +15 V) and the PWM output signal, respectively, to theLED banks 210. - The components of
FIG. 8 are implemented in the functional components ofFIG. 7 as follows. The configuration including inductors L1-L4 and capacitors C1-C3 comprise theEMI filter 320. - The configuration of
FIG. 8 including power converter U1, capacitors C4-C8, inductors L4, diode D3, and voltage regulator U2 corresponds to thepower supply interface 312. - The
PWM ramp generator 314 includes the configuration of op amps U3:A and U3:B, and capacitors C9 and C10 inFIG. 8 . - The
dimming signal converter 316 corresponds to the configuration inFIG. 8 including diodes VR1 and VR2, capacitors C11-C13 and amplifier U3:C. - The
PWM output unit 318 is illustrated inFIG. 8 as the configuration including amplifier U3:D, capacitors C14 and C15, transistor Q1, and diode VR3. - Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the principles of operation and the various means of implementation of the circuit configuration illustrated in
FIG. 8 . - According to an exemplary embodiment, the dimming control device may be controlled manually by the boom operator on the
tanker aircraft 10, or automatically by devices/computers in theaircraft 10. The dimmingcontrol device 313 may be used to dim theLEDs 213 of alight emitting device 200 in order to provide visual feedback to the pilot of an approachingaircraft 30. For example, the luminance of a PDL may be set higher for daylight or low visibility conditions (e.g., cloud cover, precipitation, etc.) or set lower for night operations. - In an exemplary embodiment, the dimming operation may be performed at night, to ensure that the light from the
light emitting device 200 is not too bright. This may improve readability for the approaching pilot and increase the covertness of the refueling operation. - While the PDLs in the above exemplary embodiments are described as providing elevational and fore-aft positional feedback to the pilot of an approaching
aircraft 30, it should be noted that other types of information can be conveyed using the present invention. For example, thelight emitting devices 200 of the present invention may be used to provide feedback as to the status of the refueling operation after therefueling boom 12 has been engaged with thefuel receptacle 32. Furthermore, alight emitting device 200 may be used to notify the approaching pilot that boom engagement has been made. - Also, the PDLs of the present invention may be used to help direct the approaching
aircraft 30 to a position P before boom engagement is made, and to assist the pilot in keeping theaircraft 30 within an acceptable position after boom engagement has been made.
Claims (24)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/694,185 US6935595B2 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2003-10-28 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (LED) technology |
KR1020067010404A KR20060115748A (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2004-10-26 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (led) technology |
PCT/US2004/035495 WO2005044663A1 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2004-10-26 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (led) technology |
JP2006538180A JP2007515329A (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2004-10-26 | Pilot induction light using light emitting diode (LED) technology |
EP04796467A EP1678033A1 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2004-10-26 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (led) technology |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/694,185 US6935595B2 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2003-10-28 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (LED) technology |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050103938A1 true US20050103938A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 |
US6935595B2 US6935595B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 |
Family
ID=34573204
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/694,185 Expired - Lifetime US6935595B2 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2003-10-28 | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (LED) technology |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6935595B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1678033A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007515329A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060115748A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005044663A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008115661A1 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2008-09-25 | The Boeing Company | System and method for facilitating aerial refueling |
EP2182387A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-05 | EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. | Indication system and method for refuelling operations. |
US20110121997A1 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2011-05-26 | Qinetiq Limited | Visual Landing Aids |
US8090453B1 (en) * | 2005-08-23 | 2012-01-03 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area |
US20130264426A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-10-10 | Eads Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Guidance apparatus of a tanker aircraft |
EP2808260A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-03 | EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Aerial refueling indication system and method |
US9071911B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2015-06-30 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area |
CN104843193A (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2015-08-19 | 零度智控(北京)智能科技有限公司 | Unmanned aerial vehicle lamplight warning system |
EP3269649A1 (en) * | 2016-07-16 | 2018-01-17 | Goodrich Lighting Systems GmbH | Exterior aircraft light unit and aircraft comprising the same |
CN108928495A (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2018-12-04 | 安徽华夏显示技术股份有限公司 | A kind of profiling aircraft positive camber type oiling lamp and preparation method thereof |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7298291B2 (en) * | 2005-07-29 | 2007-11-20 | The Boeing Company | Graphical symbology apparatus for use in an airborne refueling system |
US7663506B2 (en) * | 2007-07-11 | 2010-02-16 | Honeywell International Inc. | Dual mode pilot director light utilizing visible and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDS) |
US8903577B2 (en) | 2009-10-30 | 2014-12-02 | Lsi Industries, Inc. | Traction system for electrically powered vehicles |
US7598683B1 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2009-10-06 | Lsi Industries, Inc. | Control of light intensity using pulses of a fixed duration and frequency |
US8604709B2 (en) | 2007-07-31 | 2013-12-10 | Lsi Industries, Inc. | Methods and systems for controlling electrical power to DC loads |
US20100217526A1 (en) * | 2009-02-26 | 2010-08-26 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Method for simple optical autonomous refueling system |
US9469410B2 (en) | 2011-07-22 | 2016-10-18 | Carleton Life Support Systems Inc. | Aerial refueling system, apparatus and methods |
US9067689B2 (en) * | 2013-01-14 | 2015-06-30 | The Boeing Company | Aircraft refueling system and method of refueling an aircraft |
KR101641268B1 (en) * | 2015-03-20 | 2016-07-20 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Skin detecting device and method for controlling the skin detecting device |
EP3812280B1 (en) | 2019-10-23 | 2022-07-13 | Airbus Defence and Space, S.A.U. | Tanker aircraft comprising a referencing system |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4158885A (en) * | 1977-11-09 | 1979-06-19 | The Boeing Company | Guidance-light display apparatus and method for in-flight link-up of two aircraft |
US4763125A (en) * | 1984-06-27 | 1988-08-09 | The Boeing Company | Light array for providing passive rendezvous guidance between closing aircraft spacecraft and the like |
US5166746A (en) * | 1990-05-25 | 1992-11-24 | Toshiba Electronic Systems Co., Ltd. | Aircraft docking guidance system which takes position reference in anti-collision light of aircraft |
US5291195A (en) * | 1990-02-20 | 1994-03-01 | H. Koch & Sons Co. | Target light for docking |
US5904729A (en) * | 1997-03-04 | 1999-05-18 | The Boeing Company | Automated director light system for aerial refueling operations |
US5953842A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-09-21 | Hubbell Incorporated | Tamper-resistant illuminated sign |
US6244728B1 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2001-06-12 | The Boeing Company | Light emitting diode assembly for use as an aircraft position light |
US20020105432A1 (en) * | 2000-11-15 | 2002-08-08 | Pederson John C. | Led warning light and communication system |
US6431728B1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-08-13 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Multi-array LED warning lights |
US20020196637A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2002-12-26 | Dubin Matthew B. | Aircraft position light |
US6549179B2 (en) * | 1998-07-27 | 2003-04-15 | John S. Youngquist | LED display assembly |
US6644594B1 (en) * | 2002-11-12 | 2003-11-11 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Flight refueling guide |
-
2003
- 2003-10-28 US US10/694,185 patent/US6935595B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2004
- 2004-10-26 KR KR1020067010404A patent/KR20060115748A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2004-10-26 EP EP04796467A patent/EP1678033A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-10-26 JP JP2006538180A patent/JP2007515329A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-10-26 WO PCT/US2004/035495 patent/WO2005044663A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4158885A (en) * | 1977-11-09 | 1979-06-19 | The Boeing Company | Guidance-light display apparatus and method for in-flight link-up of two aircraft |
US4763125A (en) * | 1984-06-27 | 1988-08-09 | The Boeing Company | Light array for providing passive rendezvous guidance between closing aircraft spacecraft and the like |
US5291195A (en) * | 1990-02-20 | 1994-03-01 | H. Koch & Sons Co. | Target light for docking |
US5166746A (en) * | 1990-05-25 | 1992-11-24 | Toshiba Electronic Systems Co., Ltd. | Aircraft docking guidance system which takes position reference in anti-collision light of aircraft |
US5904729A (en) * | 1997-03-04 | 1999-05-18 | The Boeing Company | Automated director light system for aerial refueling operations |
US5953842A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-09-21 | Hubbell Incorporated | Tamper-resistant illuminated sign |
US6549179B2 (en) * | 1998-07-27 | 2003-04-15 | John S. Youngquist | LED display assembly |
US6244728B1 (en) * | 1999-12-13 | 2001-06-12 | The Boeing Company | Light emitting diode assembly for use as an aircraft position light |
US6431728B1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-08-13 | Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. | Multi-array LED warning lights |
US20020105432A1 (en) * | 2000-11-15 | 2002-08-08 | Pederson John C. | Led warning light and communication system |
US20020196637A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2002-12-26 | Dubin Matthew B. | Aircraft position light |
US6644594B1 (en) * | 2002-11-12 | 2003-11-11 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Flight refueling guide |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10061555B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2018-08-28 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area |
US8090453B1 (en) * | 2005-08-23 | 2012-01-03 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area |
US9071911B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2015-06-30 | Ronald Paul Harwood | Method and system of controlling media devices configured to output signals to surrounding area |
WO2008115661A1 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2008-09-25 | The Boeing Company | System and method for facilitating aerial refueling |
US20110121997A1 (en) * | 2008-08-16 | 2011-05-26 | Qinetiq Limited | Visual Landing Aids |
US8669883B2 (en) | 2008-08-16 | 2014-03-11 | Qinetiq Limited | Visual landing aids |
EP2182387A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-05 | EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. | Indication system and method for refuelling operations. |
US20130264426A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-10-10 | Eads Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Guidance apparatus of a tanker aircraft |
US9120578B2 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2015-09-01 | Eads Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Guidance apparatus of a tanker aircraft |
EP2808260A1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-12-03 | EADS Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Aerial refueling indication system and method |
US9248916B2 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2016-02-02 | Eads Construcciones Aeronauticas S.A. | Aerial refueling indication system and method |
CN104843193A (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2015-08-19 | 零度智控(北京)智能科技有限公司 | Unmanned aerial vehicle lamplight warning system |
US20180016032A1 (en) * | 2016-07-16 | 2018-01-18 | Goodrich Lighting Systems Gmbh | Exterior aircraft light unit and aircraft comprising the same |
EP3269649A1 (en) * | 2016-07-16 | 2018-01-17 | Goodrich Lighting Systems GmbH | Exterior aircraft light unit and aircraft comprising the same |
US10464692B2 (en) * | 2016-07-16 | 2019-11-05 | Goodrich Lighting Systems Gmbh | Exterior aircraft light unit and aircraft comprising the same |
CN108928495A (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2018-12-04 | 安徽华夏显示技术股份有限公司 | A kind of profiling aircraft positive camber type oiling lamp and preparation method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2007515329A (en) | 2007-06-14 |
WO2005044663A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 |
EP1678033A1 (en) | 2006-07-12 |
US6935595B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 |
KR20060115748A (en) | 2006-11-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7663506B2 (en) | Dual mode pilot director light utilizing visible and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDS) | |
US6935595B2 (en) | Pilot director light utilizing light emitting diode (LED) technology | |
DE60126449T2 (en) | Solid state light source arrangement | |
US6158882A (en) | LED semiconductor lighting system | |
JP4122607B2 (en) | Aviation sign lights | |
EP1343691B1 (en) | Led strobe light | |
US6642666B1 (en) | Method and device to emulate a railway searchlight signal with light emitting diodes | |
US6461029B2 (en) | Led position lamp | |
WO2005090157A1 (en) | Multi-platform led-based aircraft rear position light | |
AU2002316330B2 (en) | Aircraft position light | |
EP1692040A1 (en) | Multi-platform aircraft forward position light utilizing led-based light source | |
CA2332906C (en) | Warning light with light emitting diodes | |
EP1433658B1 (en) | Light emitting diode indicator | |
US6456205B1 (en) | Anti-collision warning lights and method of use | |
US7911357B2 (en) | Tricolor signal housing | |
US7327283B2 (en) | System and apparatus for flight deck module integration | |
US6247825B1 (en) | Night vision lighting system for use in vehicles | |
CN110686210B (en) | Lighting device for a motor vehicle headlight | |
US9622311B1 (en) | Sub-assembly for searchlight signal, and associated assembly | |
US6483258B2 (en) | Infrared fiber optic light | |
US11891190B2 (en) | Aircraft navigation light and aircraft comprising the same | |
Johnson et al. | A solid-state external lighting system modification for the KC-135 |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BERGER, VALERIY;REEL/FRAME:015016/0597 Effective date: 20040219 Owner name: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC., NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BUTSCH, STEVE M.;SINGER, JEFFREY M.;REEL/FRAME:015019/0224 Effective date: 20040220 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |